Does Heartburn Mean Hairy Baby
MYTH OR TRUTH: Heartburn means a hairy baby. Answer: TRUTH! Heartburn usually strikes in the third trimester and is due to estrogen causing the esophageal sphincter to relax, which allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. Estrogen appears to be responsible for hair growth in the developing baby.
What Is Pregnancy Heartburn
Stomach upset is a common symptom during pregnancy, as is acid reflux. In addition, pregnant women are more susceptible to GERD because of hormonal changes that occur at different stages of pregnancy.
These hormones plus increased pressure in the abdomen can prevent the valve at the top of the stomach from closing correctly. This, in turn, allows the stomachs contents, including stomach acid, to spill out into the esophagus and cause frequent heartburn.
Pregnancy heartburn is at its worst during the advanced stages of pregnancy because of the increasing pressure that builds in the uterus, which affects the entire abdomen.
However, if you take iron supplementation for anemia during pregnancy, know that iron can contribute to stomach upset and heartburn. If so, you may have to balance taking the iron with the heartburn, e.g., skipping alternate days to take it, for example.
What Makes It Better
For most women, things that help reduce acid production or prevent reux are helpful in avoiding the discomfort of heartburn. Here are tips that may help:
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Avoid classic spicy foods, as well as those with lots of fat or grease. Many people recommend avoiding citrus and chocolate, as well.
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Eat multiple, small meals spread throughout the day, much like grazing, instead of three big meals.
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Try elevating the head of your bed by several inches, and wait a while after eating before going to bed or lying down.
Some women find that its better to drink fluids between meals, rather than with a meal. This can increase the amount of contents in the stomach.
If your symptoms do not improve after the above recommended diet and lifestyle changes are in place, talk with your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medicines. Antacids are available as chewable tablets and liquids. They work by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach and neutralizing stomach acid. Heartburn medicines called H2-blockers work by reducing the amount of acid made by your stomach. Although most of these are considered safe in pregnancy, as with all medicines, these should be avoided in the first trimester.
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Make Sure You Understand The Dosage
You must speak with your doctor and have clear indications of health and to take medicine correctly. Make sure you understand the exact dosage and if you do not want to risk any mistakes ask the doctor to write all the instructions on a piece of paper.
Learn these instructions by heart because they will help you always to take the right dose of Tums. Always follow the instructions and never take any action regarding the dosage of medicines.Dosage is essential and taking too much, or too little medicine is very harmful to your health.
How Can I Prevent Heartburn During Pregnancy
They say prevention is the best medicine, so knowing common heartburn triggers can help you keep the acid at bay.
Of course, pregnancy itself is a major trigger for heartburn. As your growing uterus puts pressure on your stomach, this pushes stomach acid up your throat.
Those lovely hormones are no help either. They tend to relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, which makes it easier for acid to make its way upward.
While theres nothing you can do to stop this entirely, there are a few things that can help prevent heartburn from flaring up during pregnancy:
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Causes Of Indigestion In Pregnancy
Symptoms of indigestion come when the acid in your stomach irritates your stomach lining or your gullet. This causes pain and a burning feeling.
When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to have indigestion because of:
- hormonal changes
- the growing baby pressing on your stomach
- the muscles between your stomach and gullet relaxing, allowing stomach acid to come back up
You may be more likely to get indigestion in pregnancy if:
- you had indigestion before you were pregnant
- you’ve been pregnant before
- you’re in the later stages of pregnancy
Safe Medications During Pregnancy
Theres no doubt that along with the joys of pregnancy, women can and do experience uncomfortable side effects. If youre feeling under the weather, you may be wondering if over-the-counter remedies are safe for you and your baby. In most cases, its best to avoid OTC medications particularly in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. While some medications are safe to use in limited quantities, other medicines are known to increase the chance of birth defects or other problems.
If you have questions or are considering a medication thats not listed below, please reach out to your doctor for additional safety information. You should also call your doctor if you have a fever 100.4 F or greater, or if symptoms persist or worsen. The obstetrics specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group are here to help you weigh the risks and benefits of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.
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Do Antacids Cause Side Effects
The extra calcium from calcium carbonate antacids can cause gas, bloating, or constipation in some people. Antacids can also affect how well you absorb other medications, like iron supplements. Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions and space calcium carbonate antacids 1 to 2 hours apart from other medications when needed.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Heartburn During Pregnancy
If heartburn isnt going away, talk to your provider. They can prescribe medications that are safe to take while pregnant.
You should also call your provider if you:
- Have heartburn that wakes you up at night.
- Have trouble swallowing.
- Have black poop.
- Are losing weight.
Heartburn can have similar symptoms to a heart attack. If youve never had heartburn before and youre having chest pains, call your provider or head to the nearest ER.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Heartburn during pregnancy is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the third trimester. You can prevent or get relief from heartburn during pregnancy by making a few changes to your diet, like eating more frequent but smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fried foods. Some yogurt or milk may also help relieve symptoms. Before you take antacids, be sure to check with your provider for the safest option to take during pregnancy.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/29/2021.
References
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Why Treat Heartburn And Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Heartburn and acid reflux are traditionally considered innocuous because they are common in pregnancy and are usually self-limiting. However, a recent study suggests that GERD is associated with an increase in the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy , which can have serious negative effects on a womans quality of life.10 In a prospective cohort study conducted by the Motherisk Program, 194 pregnant women with NVP and heartburn or acid reflux were compared with 188 pregnant women with NVP who did not have heartburn or acid reflux. The 2 groups were assessed for severity of NVP with the pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea score, which is a validated scoring tool based on frequency and duration of nausea, vomiting, and retching in the past 24 hours, with a high score indicating more severe NVP. Quality of life was measured by the well-being score, with 0 being the worst and 10 being the best. Forty-eight percent of women in the control group had severe NVP according to the PUQE, compared with 75% in the group with heartburn and acid reflux. The mean well-being score in the control group was significantly higher than that in the group with heartburn and acid reflux .11
Eat Smaller Meals Throughout The Day
If you’re suffering from morning sickness, eating just a little at a time is probably no problem for you. But if your appetite is healthy, be sure to avoid eating so much that you feel full.
Just as it does when you’re not pregnant, an overly stuffed stomach can contribute to heartburn. Instead of three square meals a day, try five or six smaller ones.
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Which Antacids Are Safe During Pregnancy
Antacids that are calcium-carbonate-based are safe to take.
But antacids that are sodium-bicarbonate-based are not a good idea. Thats because they have the potential to cause fluid buildup.
Also, steer clear of antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate, as these can be harmful to your baby.
Next question: How many TUMS can I take while pregnant?
Are There Safe Antacids To Take During Pregnancy
Antacids are the most common way to address pregnancy heartburn. When you take any medication during pregnancy, over the counter or not, you should talk to your doctor about it first. There are several different types of antacids available over the counter. Lets review what they are, if they work and any known risks.
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Symptoms Of Indigestion And Heartburn
Symptoms of indigestion and heartburn include:
- a burning sensation or pain in the chest
- feeling full, heavy or bloated
- burping or belching
- feeling or being sick
- bringing up food
Symptoms usually come on soon after eating or drinking, but there can sometimes be a delay between eating and developing indigestion.
You can get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from 27 weeks onwards.
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Can You Take Tums For Heartburn While Pregnant Is It Safe 2022
Updated on Medically reviewed byDr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
Heartburn is the escape of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat. This can cause pain and a burning sensation in the chest, similar to indigestion. If this becomes a regular occurrence, then its known as gastroesophageal reflux disease .
The leading causes include diet and obesity. Smoking and alcohol abuse can also increase the chances of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease, as can taking anti-inflammatories.
Other significant causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and gastritis. A hiatal hernia, which is caused when part of the stomach is displaced upward, usually because of a weakness in the diaphragm, can also be a common cause of GERD.
GERD can be a temporary pregnancy-related condition. The pain can be accompanied by nausea, making eating difficult. This is where prenatal vitamins have the potential to help with an expectant mothers nutritional needs, especially if meals are skipped due to this condition. But can you take Tums while pregnant?
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Getting Relief From Heartburn During Pregnancy
There are two different approaches to relieving heartburn during pregnancy one is to make some dietary and lifestyle changes that may help prevent or reduce the severity of the problem, the other is to try an antacid.24
Youve probably made some changes to your lifestyle to prepare for the coming of your littleone. To help make sure you have a more comfortable pregnancy journey, there are a few other things you can do that can help make a difference for pregnant women with heartburn.2
Can You Take Tums While Pregnant
Yes, Tums are safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, your first line of defense should probably be these chewable antacids made from calcium carbonate . Fast, portable, and effective, they may be all you need to handle heartburn. They even taste pretty good and double as a calcium supplement.
Antacids containing magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide like Maalox, Mylanta, and Rolaids are probably safe when used occasionally at the recommended dosage. But they’re not your best option while pregnant because they also contain aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum can be constipating and, in large doses, toxic.
Bear in mind that swallowing any liquid, even the liquid you need to wash down a tablet, will cause your stomach to do what it does naturally: produce digestive juices including acid, the very thing you’re trying to reduce. So it’s best to swallow or chew tablets with as little liquid as possible when you’re having trouble with heartburn.
All of these antacid medicines work by neutralizing the acid that’s already in your stomach and causing you pain. Chewable and liquid antacids act much more quickly than tablets because they’re already dissolved. You can experiment to see which you prefer and what works most effectively for you.
If you’re regularly taking the recommended dosage and aren’t getting relief from heartburn, talk to your doctor or midwife about whether you can take additional or different medications.
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How Many Tums Are Safe While Pregnant
Can you take Tums extra strength while pregnant? Yes, you sure can. The maximum daily dosage for Extra Strength TUMS is 6 tablets in 24 hours. There are very good reasons to not go over this amount and well get to those in a moment.
If you take Ultra Strength TUMS, the maximum is 5 tablets in 24 hours. Thats because it has more of the active ingredient.
But before we go any further, please ask your doctor if TUMS or other antacids are appropriate for you.
Discuss H2 Blockers With Your Doctor
If an antacid isn’t working, it may be time to consider stronger medications.
Your first option will likely be an H2 blocker like Tagamet or Zantac. These drugs suppress stomach-acid production. All four H2 inhibitors on the market are now available without a prescription and considered to be safe during pregnancy. But talk to your doctor before taking them.
“They really work,” says Einarson. “You only have to take one or two a day.”
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Herbal Supplements And Vitamins
Some alternative therapies have been found to safely and effectively alleviate some of the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy but natural doesnt always mean these herbal supplements are safe. As with any over the counter medication, its important to talk with your doctor about every supplement or vitamin you take while pregnant.
Prenatal vitamins are also an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Multivitamins that include folic acid are safe and important before and during the first few weeks of pregnancy because they can help prevent some birth defects. Your doctor or midwife can advise you about which type of multivitamin with folic acid you should take. Medical providers sometimes prescribe extra folic acid or iron supplements, depending on your specific situation.
When Can I Expect The Heartburn To End During Pregnancy
Unfortunately, heartburn is a symptom you’re likely to experience throughout your entire pregnancy if you have it at all.
In fact, even if you escaped indigestion early on in your pregnancy, there’s a good chance you’ll have a surge starting around the second or third trimesters, when your uterus takes over your abdominal cavity and forces your stomach upwards.
Fortunately, the burn should clear up as soon as you give birth.
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What Happens If You Take Tums While Pregnant
If you take Tums for heartburn when youre pregnant, youll feel a lot better in just a few minutes. Chew a tablet and stay sitting up for at least 5 to 10 minutes. The active ingredients descend to the esophagus and stomach where they start neutralizing the acid thats causing the pain and burning sensation.
Tums provide rapid relief when used for treating heartburn occasionally. In fact, its often recommended by OB/GYNs.
If You Take Tums Daily You Might Have A Change In Your Breathing
When we take Tums, we expect our aching bellies to be addressed, and little else. But one pretty dramatic side effect of taking Tums every day could occur to your breathing, thanks to the introduction of alkaline elements to your system through the antacid’s calcium carbonate. “As the pH in the bloodstream rises, the body compensates for the more alkaline environment, thus reducing the respiratory or breathing rate,” explains assistant professor of emergency medicine Robert Glatter to Prevention.
In addition to being fairly unsettling to have your breathing slow down noticeably, this may also cause knock-on health effects. “When breathing slows excessively, it could lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide, leading to fatigue or sleepiness,” Glatter explains. Slower breathing may not only occur with calcium-based antacids, too. Glatter states that antacids containing sodium carbonate can also instigate a breathing change. Needless to say, if your Tums intake is provoking a slowing down in your respiratory frequency, it may be wise to reduce your dosage.
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Dont Treat Tums Like Candy
As with most things, moderation is key. According to the manufacturers website, pregnant individuals are advised to limit themselves to a maximum of 15 TUMS Regular Strength 500 within any 24 hour period. The maximums differ from product to product, so be sure to read the bottle carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Dr. Clark suggests keeping an eye on intake and symptoms. If you find you are using TUMS daily or they do not relieve your symptoms, be sure to let your obstetrical care provider know.
But if TUMS arent working to relieve your symptoms after a while, dont fret. It may be time to consider alternative therapy for your symptoms of GERD, like a prescription medication, says Dr. Clark.
Is It Safe To Take Tums During Pregnancy
“It is safe to reach for TUMS at any point when there is discomfort from indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, or in cases of stomach ulcer flare-up,” says Rami Khatib, RPh, CDE, manager and owner of Sechelt Pharmacy in British Columbia, Canada. While GERD is most common later in pregnancy, antacids are safe in the first trimester too.
Khatib notes two possible side effects of using TUMS while pregnant, constipation and flatulence, which often come with the pregnancy territory already.
Taking TUMS to relieve symptoms of GERD while pregnant is generally safe and effective. But Clark does caution those who have known kidney disease to discuss with a healthcare provider before taking TUMS. Antacids can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance if you have chronic kidney disease.
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